Commissioner Ramsey Interrupted By Protesters During Community Event
By Justin Udo
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - Philadelphia Police Commissioner Charles Ramsey held a community forum at Eastern State Penitentiary Tuesday to discuss challenges and opportunities for the police force, but he was met by a group of peaceful protesters.
About 15 minutes into what was supposed to be an hour discussion, demonstrators began to chant, making it impossible for Ramsey to continue.
"Apparently that group is not there to have thoughtful discussion, just yelling and screaming," this man tells KYW Newsradio. "They're just trying to get their point across, they're not trying to listen to anything, so that's just ignorant."
Asa Khalif and two dozen other members with the Philly Coalition for REAL Justice organized the protest for an armed Philadelphia man who was shot and killed by police.
"We needed to shut this down, we needed to demand, not ask at this point and time, Police Commissioner Ramsey to arrest and take off the street the officers who murdered Brandon Tate Brown last year."
Ramsey says he plans on holding another discussion at a future point and time where he can engage the community on whatever questions and concerns they might have.